St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Saint-Martin Prepares for the 5th Annual Festival de la Gastronomie.

localchefs13102025 SAINT-MARTIN:--- The island of Saint-Martin is set to celebrate its rich culinary landscape with the return of the Festival de la Gastronomie for its fifth edition. This highly anticipated event, running from November 9th to November 22nd, 2025, promises to be an unforgettable showcase of the island's unique blend of Caribbean, French, and international flavors. The festival aims to reinforce Saint-Martin's identity as a premier culinary destination, boost the local economy by supporting agriculture and fishing, and unite the community through the art of food.

This year's festival will feature an impressive lineup of local talent and international culinary stars. The event's patron is Chef Laurent Huguet, a consultant chef with a Michelin star and 33 years of experience in prestigious kitchens. He will be joined by a distinguished panel of jury presidents, including mixology expert Arthur Sutley, Boston-based chef and Hell's Kitchen finalist Jason Santos, and Texas barbecue icon Kevin Bludso. A team of seven local chefs—Shane Huggins, Gaëlle Mussington, Kareem Brooks, Danitza Dormoy, Kénila Hyman, Angéla Marcenat, and Ashanta Daniel—will serve as the 2025 ambassadors, representing the island's vibrant culinary scene.

The festival schedule is packed with a diverse array of events designed to appeal to all food lovers. The celebration kicks off on November 9th with "Taste of Sunrise" at Loterie Farm, a brunch event featuring the local chef ambassadors. The official launch will take place on November 10th with a free, open-to-the-public event on the Boulevard de Grand-Case, the island's culinary capital.

Throughout the festival, attendees can participate in a variety of activities:

Gastronomy Village: On November 14th and 15th, the Marigot Seafront will transform into a bustling village featuring local producers, food trucks, restaurants, and caterers.
Cooking Workshops: From November 15th to 17th at Marina Fort Louis, adults and children can learn from renowned chefs in hands-on workshops. Special "Sip n' Cook" sessions will pair cooking with cocktails.
Competitions: A series of thrilling competitions will highlight the island's talent. These include a BBQ Competition (Nov. 16), Private Chefs Competition (Nov. 12-13), a High School Student Competition (Nov. 17), and the prestigious "Best Table of Saint-Martin" competition (Nov. 18, 19, & 21).
Special Evenings: The festival will host several exclusive ticketed events, including a "Food & Cocktails Pairing" (Nov. 20) and a Charity Dinner at the Daniella Jeffry Vocational High School (Nov. 20), with a menu crafted by chefs Xavier Isabal, Laurent Huguet, and Angela Marcenat.

A major highlight is the Closing Evening on November 22nd. The Marigot Seafront will host an all-inclusive event featuring over 15 guest chefs from across the Caribbean, including Haiti, Grenada, Curaçao, and the British Virgin Islands, for a grand celebration of regional cuisine.

The festival not only serves as a platform for culinary excellence but also as a significant economic driver for Saint-Martin. By spotlighting local products like Guavaberry Colombier Tradition and connecting producers with a wider audience, the event strengthens local supply chains. The extensive media coverage, with press and influencers attending from Canada, the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, will further promote Saint-Martin as a creative and flavorful destination on the global stage.

From discovery menus at participating restaurants across the island to specialized wine-and-cheese pairings, the 5th Festival de la Gastronomie invites residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a two-week celebration of food, culture, and community.

St. Maarten Golf Association represented island in St. Kitts.

sxmgolf13102025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Golf Association proudly represented the island with a qualified team of 12 players at the annual Eastern Caribbean Golf Association’s tournament held in St. Kitts. This prestigious event brought together competitors from 10 countries and took place on October 4th and 5th, 2025, at the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club.

The team included a diverse group of players: three ladies, four men, three senior men, and two super-senior men. The opening ceremony was hosted at Government House by the Governor-General, featuring welcoming speeches and a formal presentation of each team member.

Over two days, the tournament showcased intensive competitive golf. On Sunday evening, the final ceremony celebrated the achievements of all participants. St. Maarten’s men’s team earned first place in the low net category and were honored with medals for their outstanding performance.

Following the tournament, the team took advantage of their time in the region by visiting Nevis on Monday. They enjoyed a relaxed round of golf at the Four Seasons Golf Resort, known for its spectacular course. With the pressure of competition behind them, the experience was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The team returned to St. Maarten on Monday night, tired but unanimously grateful for the opportunity. They described the tournament as a wonderful experience and are already looking forward to next year’s event at a new venue and location.

For more information on this tournament or membership please contact the SMGA site at: www.sxmgolfassociation.com https://www.facebook.com/St.MaartenGolfAssociation

Shooting Incident at Kimsha Beach, Simpson Bay.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating a shooting incident that took place just after 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Kimsha Beach in Simpson Bay.

At the time of the incident, the Central Police Dispatch directed several patrol units and ambulance personnel to the location, where they encountered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen.

The victim received first aid treatment on the scene from ambulance personnel and was subsequently transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) in critical but stable condition.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department are actively investigating this incident. The Police Force is urging anyone with information about this shooting to contact KPSM Detectives at +1 (721) 542-2222 ext. 204 or 205, the anonymous tip line at 9300, or visit the Philipsburg Police Station to provide information in person.

KPSM Press Release.

10/10/10 – Minister of Justice Statement.

nathalietackling13102025 PHILIPSBURG:--- Today carries deep meaning for us as a country, and especially for the Ministry of Justice. As we commemorate Constitution Day, we honor the defining moment of October 10, 2010, when Sint Maarten officially became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With that milestone, the Ministry of Justice was born, along with the responsibility to build our own systems, shape our institutions, and define justice through the lens of who we are as a people.

At its core, the Ministry of Justice is the guardian of safety, stability, and the rule of law. A strong Ministry means a strong Sint Maarten, one where citizens can trust that justice is fair, rights are protected, and communities are safe. It also means a country where visitors feel secure, where our reputation as a welcoming destination is preserved, and where law and order remain the backbone of our society.

Fifteen years later, we reflect on a journey marked by growth, reform, and resilience. The Ministry of Justice was built from the ground up, one law, one institution, one reform at a time. There was no manual or model to follow, only a shared commitment to create systems that serve our people and safeguard our democracy. Through every challenge, the Ministry has become stronger, more coordinated, and more grounded in purpose.

Today, I want to acknowledge all those who came before us: the justice workers who held the line, the civil servants who kept the wheels turning, and the previous Ministers who advanced progress under challenging circumstances. The road was far from smooth, but every effort, whether successful or not, helped bring us to where we are today.

We now stand as a Ministry that is transforming, strengthening institutions, modernizing systems, and investing in our people. Every milestone, including projects like the new digital immigration platform and the detention sector reform program, reflects our shared commitment to building a justice system that truly serves the people of Sint Maarten.

As we mark this milestone, I extend heartfelt thanks to all who serve within the justice chain, from law enforcement officers and immigration professionals to legal experts, prison staff, and civil servants. Each of you plays a vital role in upholding justice, protecting rights, and keeping our communities safe.

Looking back, one thing is clear: the Ministry of Justice you see today is not the same as it was fifteen years ago. We are stronger, more coordinated, and more determined than ever to keep improving, step by step, project by project, reform by reform.

Road closures on Monday in connection with the solemn Public meeting of Parliament, commemorating the fifteenth anniversary of the attainment of Country Status of Sint Maarten within the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Constitution Day)

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Wilhelminastraat and the Hendrikstraat, in Philipsburg will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2025.

These temporary road closures will be in effect for vehicular traffic from 8.30 hrs. - 13.00 hrs.

The closures are in connection with the solemn Public meeting of Parliament commemorating the fifteenth anniversary of the attainment of Country Status of Sint Maarten within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.